Redeveloped Primary School Curriculum

We’re delighted to share that the final versions of the five primary curriculum specifications: Arts Education; Social and Environmental Education; Wellbeing; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, and Language (including Modern Foreign Languages) are now completed! These specifications reflect the key messages of the Primary Curriculum Framework and align fully with its vision. In March, the NCCA Council approved all five specifications and these have now been shared with the Minister for Education and Youth for consideration. Subject to the Minister’s approval, we anticipate that they will be available to schools in the autumn.

In the coming weeks and months, we’ll also be focusing on developing a range of practical supports for parents, teachers and school leaders. These will be available in Online Toolkits on curriculumonline.ie and will include examples of children’s learning, guidance for teachers and resources to support children’s progress in learning.

We know that introducing the redeveloped curriculum is a journey, and change in education takes time. We’re here to support schools every step of the way. Building on the support provided already by Oide and NCSE for the Primary Language Curriculum/Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile and the Primary Mathematics Curriculum, introduction of the redeveloped curriculum will commence from the 2025/2026 school year. Oide and NCSE will offer professional learning for teachers and school leaders beginning in the 2025/2026 school year and in subsequent years facilitated through whole-school closure days, sustained in-school support and supplementary online supports. This information was communicated to schools by the Department of Education and Youth in April.

We’re excited about this next phase and look forward to supporting teachers, school leaders, children and their families in bringing the redeveloped curriculum to life!